Issuu

VIBRANCE COLLECTION

custom finishes the choice of artisans

the Volume 56 • Is su e 3 sept ember 2014

also inside: tiPs to Maintain your booth

inside this issue

• Preston Motors’ new, hi-tech distribution • the wells MotorsPort faMily • a colourful fishing story

Accelerate your innovation with PPG

The whole world of OEM innovation Two out of three cars in the world are coated with PPG technology so it’s clear there’s one name all these brands trust. PPG’s vast network of relationships with vehicle OEMs around the globe involves far more than just supplying premium quality coatings. In fact, PPG brings innovation to the surface by taking a leadership role in developing groundbreaking coatings technologies and formulating new vehicle colour trends. As a direct result PPG refinish systems are extensively tested and approved by OEMs, thus giving refinish users a decisive advantage. No wonder more collision centres in Australia and New Zealand choose to use PPG than any other brand! Contact your PPG representative or the customer service hotline 13 24 24 (Aust) or 0800 320 320 (NZ) for more information. www.ppgrefinish.com.au

contents SePteMBeR2014 56 Volume

the

RefiniSheR

Issue 3

editor-in-chief Paul Galea

editorial co-ordinator Suzannah Aivatoglou

news & reviews

charley and the custom factor

editor John M Stanley creative director dean Parrott

You’ve gotta love PPG’s VIBRANCE COLLECTION® custom finishes network! Not only does it put you in touch with members, such as Andy’s Restorations, who are custom craftsmen and exclusively use PPG products, it also has links to artisans across the globe, such as renowned U.S. painter, Charley Hutton.

Published for and on behalf of PPg industries Pty limited by

Kisschasey Creative Pty Ltd Unit 113, 91 Murphy St. Richmond, Victoria, 3121 Telephone (03) 9421 3311

australia head office Locked Bag 888, Clayton South, Victoria 3169. McNaughton Road, Clayton, Victoria, Australia, 3168 Telephone: 13 24 24 www.ppgrefinish.com.au new Zealand head office 5 Vestey drive, Mt Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand. Toll Free Telephone: 0800 320 320

A business where ‘lean’ is a way of life

new south wales 10 Peter Brock drive, Eastern Creek, 2766 Telephone (02) 9854 6600

Queensland 18 Breene Place, Morningside, 4170 Telephone (07) 3823 8000

tasmania PO Box 406, Kings Meadows, 7249 Telephone 0412 254 807

Third-party trademarks referenced in this magazine are the property of their respective owners.

rapidMatch™ gets a green light for speed A faster, more productive RAPIdMATCH™ colour matching system workflow

SATA and SATAjet are registered trademarks of SATA GmbH & Co. KG.

the booth maintenance effect on paint curing Is your booth operating at peak performance?

western australia 4 Modal Crescent, Canning Vale, 6155 Telephone (08) 9256 3920

PPG Logo, Delfleet, Deltron, Envirobase, Global Refinish System, Harlequin, PaintManager, Prizmatique, Radiance and Vibrance Collection are registered trademarks and Bringing innovation to the surface, Crystallance and RapidMatch are trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

what is waste? Understanding waste is the first step to eliminating it

Victoria 104-106 Woodlands drive, Braeside, 3195 Telephone (03) 8586 0000

south australia 1E Oldsmobile Terrace, dudley Park, 5008 Telephone (08) 8346 6870

laurels are not for resting on

riding the wave designed to be the fisherman’s friend

neWs & reVieWs refinisher

e experience the difference W

hen it comes to providing access to expert assistance, PPG’s Customer Service Hotline is already recognised as the industry leader. Now, thanks to some finetuning, it’s even better at quickly connecting callers to the right specialist staff who can provide immediate assistance. The high calibre, 23 person PPG Customer Service Team hasn’t changed – it’s still the region’s largest and consists of a mix of technical staff (all experienced ex-paint technicians), along with administration experts who efficiently look after tasks such as order processing. Now, when someone calls the toll-free Customer Service Hotline numbers – 13 24 24 (Aust) or 0800 320 320

(NZ) – all these resources are directed to exactly where they’re most needed. Those with a technical, colour or product enquiry are quickly put in touch with a technical member and can tap into their

years of experience. It’s the same for new or existing order enquires – they are swiftly directed to a team member who can help. Either way, the experience is set to be r even more efficient.

in MVP and business solutions In an increasingly complex industry, PPG’s MVP program offers an innovative ‘turn-key solution’ to help you adapt to change, accurately control your business and turn opportunities into realities. Recognised as the industry’s most comprehensive bodyshop development program, MVP boasts the region’s largest network of fully trained business specialists. ‘Best practice’ solutions (shopfloor and administration) are gathered from global resources and fine-tuned to the changing needs of the local industry. With options include informative seminars, financial planning, business analysis and one-on-one consultations, as well as advanced ‘lean management’ principles tailored to collision repair, it’s all about bringing innovation to the surface of your business. Access to expert knowledge, support and solutions, makes MVP an unmatched tool to create your own strategy to drive long term profitability. Contact your PPG representative or the customer service hotline 13 24 24 (Aust) or 0800 320 320 (NZ) for more information. www.ppgrefinish.com.au

refinisher

driVeTHROUGH

with Paul Galea

dJR

goes retro for Bathurst O

ver the years, dick Johnson Racing has been responsible for some of the most memorable and iconic liveries in Australian motor sport, including the ‘Tru Blu’ and ‘Green’s Tuf’ Falcons from the 1980s and, as one of the team’s longest serving sponsors, PPG is proud to be an integral part. For Bathurst 2014,

dJR is set to celebrate a very special milestone with a retro livery which harks back 20 years to a golden moment for the team. In 1994, dick Johnson and co-driver, John Bowe, had an epic battle in the closing stages of the race to secure a remarkable win at Mt Panorama. After the 1994 race, dick was full of enthusiasm. “In my mind there’s no question this was my best win there and I know it’s the one I’ll remember as being something very special.” Over 7000 people packed into dJR’s headquarters in Queensland in July to see the special public unveiling of the r inspired design.

SAt SA tA set to unveil tA special edition ®

standard SATA® spray gun makes a fabulous tool for any paint technician but a limited edition version just adds that extra touch of bling. While the design for this year’s soon-to-be-released limited edition model is still a closely guarded secret, we can tell you that you’ll need to get your order in to your SATA® distributor quickly to ensure you don’t miss out. Whether you’re a collector who wants to add another piece of art to your showcase or a

assion and success go hand-inhand and in this issue I believe you’ll notice a common thread – passion! I see it day-in, day-out with our PPG employees, our customers around the region, our suppliers and even family members. Now, I’m certainly not saying skills and abilities are irrelevant because obviously they’re a necessity. However, having all the skills in the world but without the passion for what you do, rarely results in success. All the people you’ll read about here demonstrate how skills, fuelled by passion, can drive you down the path to success. Sometimes the passion is obvious. Custom artists, such as Charley Hutton and Andy Minas from Andy’s Restorations, are so super passionate they don’t even see what they do as work – Charley even jokes that he hopes he never has to get a real job! For Neil Surtees, a passion for fishing led to his innovative boat design and, today, a highly successful boat manufacturing company. Our industry can be a grind but there’s still plenty of passion and Mike Searston, from Mike’s Panel and Paint, is a great example. He’s combining his passion with the passion of our MVP® Team to constantly look for new ways to increase the success of his business. If you have passion I’m certain the PPG Team can match it and support you on r the road to success.

painter who wants to standout from the crowd, you simply can’t lose because, along with its individual design, every limited edition comes with all the outstanding craftsmanship, functionality and features of the acclaimed SATAjet® 4000B! r

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Charley& feATUre sTOrY

refinisher

the custom factor Choosing a PPG Vibrance Network Member opens up unprecedented opportunities, including access to some of the world’s very best custom craftsmen.

he saying goes, ‘if you don’t ask, the answer is always no’, so custom car enthusiast, Wasyl, wasn’t going to die wondering. Would acclaimed U.S. custom artisan, Charley Hutton, be prepared to jet halfway across the globe to Andy’s Restorations, in Sydney, to paint Wasyl’s new ’32 Ford Roadster in VIBRANCE COLLECTION® custom paint finishes paintwork? You betcha! The incredible process actually began around 12 months before. Looking for an outlet from the pressure of his high profile role in a large construction company, Wasyl found it in the vehicle customisation scene. At the time, he had a Ford Mustang he wanted restored but finding someone with the necessary expertise was proving difficult. After several shops had attempted restoration work, Wasyl eventually discovered Andy Minas, from Andy’s Restorations (a PPG Vibrance Network member). me “When I ran into Andy he presented himself to be extremely reputable. He approaches big and small jobs the same way – he gives you a fair price for some brilliant work. In my line of work, I really see the value in that. The experience of working with Andy and his team has been incredible – they’re great people and people you can trust with your car. The Mustang was the first job but we’ve since done other cars and the bond with Andy has grown and we’ve become mates.” Andy Minas grew up around the hot rod scene in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and began his custom business over 37 years ago. After 25 years in his original workshop in Taren Point, Andy ‘bit the bullet’ and invested in a new purpose-built facility in nearby Kurnell, about five years ago. The layout of the 550m² workshop has made a significant difference to day-today operations, says Andy.

feATUre sTOrY 7

“I’ve been to the late Boyd Coddington’s shop in the U.S. and that gave me many of the ideas for this shop. It was a big investment but it’s more professional and there’s lots of extra space so it’s more organised and efficient. We have curtains to section off different areas and we keep everything clean at all times. These days, we get jobs sent to us from all over the country – at the moment we have 12 cars in the shop. The custom industry is growing and it’s being driven by people who couldn’t afford these cars when they were young but, now they’ve earned the money, they want their toys.” With colour and paint finish being such crucial factors, Andy chose PPG as a long term partner and has become a member of PPG’s Vibrance Collection – a region-wide group of dedicated vehicle restorers, customisers, repairers and refinishers who specialise in delivering a high degree of workmanship and integrity. “People are rapt when we show them the Vibrance Collection custom paint finishes because it offers such a big choice and we’re able to explain the colour changing effects. The PPG guys also get involved in every major project. They give us tips and advice the exact process to use to achieve the result we want.”

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Hot term

Charley and the custom factor

iven its current popularity, you could be forgiven for thinking that hot rodding is a relatively new phenomena but it actually dates back to the late 1930s when modified cars were raced on dry lake beds in Southern California. After World War II, in the late 1940s, many U.S. servicemen returned home with technical abilities which they applied to modifying the chassis, bodies and engines of old cars (typically Fords from the late ‘20s and early 30s) to reduce weight, increase performance and improve appearance. It’s a formula that still defines a hot rod today.

The PPG link went international when Andy started building a ’32 Ford Roadster for Wasyl – a brand new, turn-key car built using a new chassis and steel body. As the pair discussed the project, Wasyl had a ‘light bulb moment’. “I knew Charley Hutton had a close affiliation with PPG and I’ve seen the results he gets from the products. I also knew there was a relationship between the PPG Australia guys, Andy and Charley so I thought I’d throw it out there and see if we could get Charley out here to paint his first car in Australia.” Andy contacted Charley who said he would love to take the opportunity but, because he was very tight for time, everything would need to be prepped and ready to go. That included settling on a colour, says Andy. “Wasyl was keen on a copper colour so Brett Abdy (from PPG NSW), Wasyl and I got together to choose a Vibrance Collection

custom colour finish. We settled on a Liquid Crystal finish called ‘Copper Penny’. Brett sprayed it out, we adjusted it a little and it was ready to go.” While he was excited about the idea of returning to Australia, Charley says he wouldn’t say yes to just any project. “I’ve been blessed to meet Andy and I’d been to his facility. That was a major plus because I was very impressed with what his shop is able to produce – the quality of work is outstanding. I won’t just paint over the top of anybody’s work because I don’t know how it’s been prepped and what I’m getting myself into. When I got the call I knew Andy would have it up to standard so that made it easier to say yes. I was also excited about the beautiful colour – the PPG guys A v e ry g o o d y e A r had done a great job preparing it for the or many people, including Charley Hutton and Andy Minas, the ’32 Ford owner. It’s not just Roadster was, and still is, the definitive ‘hot rod’. As well as being Ford’s first that PPG products V8, the ’32 model was a mass-market car that featured comfort and are unbelievable – performance, along with elegant styling. Importantly for hot rodders, it was light and affordable, says Andy.

“People would take the fenders off and race them on the weekend, then replace the fenders and drive them to work during the week!” It even inspired The Beach Boys to write the hit song, ‘Little Deuce Coupe’. Today, the cost and rarity of original bodies means most builds use a fibreglass or steel reproduction of the classic ’32 Ford lines. This ongoing popularity has sparked a strange phenomenon – there is currently more ’32 Fords registered and on the roads than Ford ever built!

feATUre sTOrY 9

the back up and technical support they provide is a major plus.” A number of recent visits to Australia have given Charley an insight into the local custom scene. “I didn’t know what to expect but I’ve been very impressed with the quality of the local work – there’s a lot of quality craftsmen here in Australia. It’s a bigger scene in The States because it has been going for so much longer but I’m definitely impressed with the car culture in Australia – I had no idea it was so big.” According to Wasyl, it was an amazing few days watching Charley paint his car. “The Charley you see on TV is exactly the same as the guy standing in front of you. He is thoroughly professional, his attention to detail is just incredible and the results speak for themselves. The way PPG conducts its business is similar – it may be a big organisation but everything is done reputably and that means a lot to me. I’ll always paint my cars with PPG – you can quote me on that!” While he is now enjoying his ’32 Roadster to take his family for weekend drives, Wasyl is adamant that the journey through the project is as important as the end result. “This is a passion and half the adventure is learning about these models and meeting new people as you go along. That’s the great thing about hot rods and custom cars – the good friends you make along the way.”

Even for someone as experienced as Charley, the sentiment is the same. “For me, the opportunity to work with craftsmen, such as Andy, was an honour. Around The United States I’ve been lucky enough to work with different craftsmen and gather lots of friends – now I can say I have friends all around the world and the experience of working with some of the top custom r people in Australia. Not bad to put on your resume!” Special thanks to Cruzin’ Magazine for the photos. Check out www.cruzin.com.au

S tAt e o f e x c i t e m e n t

daho may not be the epicentre of the U.S. custom vehicle scene but it is the place where Charley Hutton was born and raised. And, as far as he’s concerned, that made Nampa, Idaho, the perfect location to set up Charley Hutton’s Color Studio. According to Charley, his whole family is fairly artistic and that helped give him a passion for colour. At 13 years old he began painting cars while working at a family friend’s collision centre. He painted his first custom car when he was 15 years old and established his own business in 1993 at the age of 20. Charley’s work on TV – such as American Hot Rod with the late Boyd Coddington, Overhaulin’ and Hot Rod TV – gave him international recognition and he’s backed this up with a string of high profile paint awards. A long standing partnership with PPG sees Charley exclusively use PPG products, including the ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne basecoat system. Charley and his three person team work in a 650m² workshop where two or three major builds are usually going on at any one time. “I’ve been lucky enough to be blessed with a reputation where people will ship their cars to us from all over the country. We’re extremely busy so, as long as I don’t have to get a real job, I’m excited!”

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feATUre TrAininG PAneL shOP refinisher

M I K E ’ S PA N E L & PA I N T R E PA I R S

Laurels are not B for resting on Ensuring that change and constant improvement are part of everyday business life has helped Mike Searston take his collision centre from strength to strength.

ack when he was an apprentice panel beater, Mike Searston made a promise to himself – if he ever had his own business, he would insist on much better conditions than he was working in then. Rather than dust and clutter, it would be clean, neat and efficient – and that’s a promise he has kept. “Personally, I’ve always kept a clean workshop and I like to have everything in its place. There are pressures from work providers to meet repair cost targets so to be able to squeeze some profit out of each job you have to do things more efficiently – and do it once!” Starting his own business wasn’t even on the radar in the late 1980s when Mike

UPfrOnT

and his wife, Ruth, settled in the Queensland city of Gladstone, about 550km north of Brisbane. After qualifying as a tradesman, he’d developed his skills and experience at a variety of workplaces but, at the time, jobs were hard to come by. “That was in the middle of Paul Keating’s ‘recession we had to have’ and there wasn’t much work around so I decided to rent a shed and start doing some panel beating. Mike’s Panel & Paint Repairs grew out of that. For the first four or five years it was ‘semi’ serious. For example, if I wanted to go fishing, I’d just take a day off. Then it became apparent that I either had to get serious by adding a spray booth and other equipment or get out of working for myself. I ended up buying a block of land and building a workshop. I made it big enough so I could lease half of it to a cabinet maker but within two years he was gone and we were using

the whole building and we’ve continued to expand from there to our present size (about 750m²). That was about 19 years ago and the reason I know is that we just installed a new Low Bake spray booth and the plaque on the old one shows it was commissioned back when we moved in.” Although the original spray booth was still serviceable, Mike could see that technology is constantly improving and there are definite advantages in making the investment. Indeed, his business plan includes a cycle of updating equipment to get benefits, such as reduced power consumption and minimised risk of downtime due to breakdowns. In combination with new technology, a key factor in expanding the business has

been to embrace ‘lean’ methodologies which has received close support from PPG’s MVP Team. Mike has been a PPG customer from the very start and he believes support is something that should never be underestimated. “One thing I’ve learned is to stick with people who are going to give you service. You can’t just shop on price – you have to take the ‘behind the scenes’ support into account. We’ve received a lot of help from PPG and a lot of our growth can be attributed to that – without a doubt. One of the best things was getting involved in the MVP Roundtable Group. We’ve been meeting several times a year for around ten years and we’ve built some really good friendships. A lot of great business ideas come out of it. In fact, going to an MVP Roundtable Group meeting is like plugging yourself into a battery charger – I always come back fired up and ready to take on another challenge!” Twice Mike’s growth strategy has involved shutting the business to implement major changes and PPG was an integral part. despite the work flow disruption, Mike sees only positives.

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Laurels are not for resting on

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“At Christmas 2012 we closed the shop and John Stack (QLd MVP Manager) helped us implement the 5S program. That included cleaning and totally reorganising the workshop, marking out dedicated bays for X-Ray Repair Planning, adding parts trolleys and introducing a lot of other ‘lean’ principles. We did a similar thing at Easter this year when we closed for a week and a half to fit the new paint room and spray booth. I think you need to embrace new technology and techniques as a way of moving forward – it’s about maximising the space you have and the efficiency of staff.” Mike says, he tries to keep staff informed so that any changes don’t come as a surprise. On the whole, his team has been open to change because they see the benefits to them and the business. However, he says, changes need to be decisive. “I’ve found that change works better when it’s immediate. For instance, when we installed the ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne basecoat system we took out the PPG solvent-borne system so the first day back after Easter the guys had to use the new system. The transition went really well – we had the PPG guys here showing the painters the correct gun setups, application techniques and

M I K E ’ S PA N E L & PA I N T R E PA I R S

S H o P FA C T S

processes. And they did actual jobs – from memory, we did about 30 cars that week and I think that really helped the guys learn how to use it.” Along with the Envirobase High Performance paint system, Mike took the opportunity to incorporate a host of technologies to help further boost productivity. “Most of the painters already had SATA spray guns but we got four new models and the guys love them. We’ve also found that PPG’s UV primer (d8080 UV Cured Primer Surfacer) is awesome. Everyone could see the benefits and the guys now constantly use it wherever they can. PPG also helped us switch to roll-on primer which takes less time, there are less fumes and it’s a lot quicker to clean up. We were 100% spray priming and now we’d be lucky if it was 20%!” With one of the world’s largest coal exporting terminals, along with natural gas and other industries, Gladstone is

Mike’s Panel & Paint repairs owner: Mike Searston staff: 13 PPg Product: Envirobase High Performance territory Manager: John Williams Qld MVP Manager: John Stack

one of Australia’s boom towns at the moment. While the huge influx of people has been great for business, it’s also had its downside. While Mike has a good, stable team at the moment (four painters, six panel beaters, including a 4th year apprentice, a production manager and two office admin), it’s been a struggle at times. “There are all the typical issues of a mining boom – higher wages and the youngsters want to do diesel fitter or electrical apprenticeships rather than panel beating or painting. At one stage we were on our knees so we got three staff from the Philippines. It’s not the total answer but they’ve learned well and they’re very nice, loyal guys. Recently, I found someone for our Production Manager role which has freed me up a little to concentrate on the business. The better your business runs, the less stressful the work environment is and the more likely you’ll keep good employees. Staff have to want to come to work – the minute they don’t you’re on a downhill slide.” As he has done so successfully in the past, Mike says he will continue to use whatever expert sources are available to him, including the PPG Team, to search out new strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity. The reward for effort, he says, is clear to see. “I’m probably more comfortable with where the business is now than I ever have been. Having said that, you can’t rest on r your laurels!”

PPG in ACTiOn 13

Organic growth Chances are your next top-end TV, smart phone or mobile device will incorporate OLED technology manufactured by PPG.

PG isn’t just a world leader in paint technology – it’s also helping to drive innovation in other areas, including the exciting technology of Organic Light Emitting diodes (OLEds). If you haven’t heard of OLEds it’s likely that you will in the not too distant future. Indeed, OLEds are already making an impact in mobile devices, such as Samsung’s Galaxy S5 smart phone and the smart watches and bracelets that Google and LG have recently introduced. In contrast to conventional metallic-based LEds, Organic LEds are carbon-based (organic) molecules which come with significant advantages and that’s driving big advancements in televisions and smart devices. For example, a TV display utilising OLEd technology features more vibrant colours, deeper blacks and super-bright images, while at the same time being thinner, lighter in weight and more energy efficient. Another key advantage of OLEds is that they emit light directly when electricity is applied – a backlight isn’t needed and that allows the display to be both thin and

flexible. The most advanced technology is phosphorescent OLEd which is four times more energy efficient than other types, according to experts. Back in the year 2000, PPG and Universal display Corporation saw the potential for the technology and established a strategic relationship for the commercialisation and production of Universal display’s phosphorescent OLEd (UniversalPHOLEd) materials. The partnership between the two companies recently took a major step forward with the opening of a new world class OLEd materials production facility at PPG’s Barberton plant in Ohio – a site the company has operated since the year 1900! PPG is Universal display’s exclusive manufacturer of UniversalPHOLEd emitter materials. After manufacture, PPG ships the OLEd crystals to Universal display which is a leading supplier of phosphorescent OLEd materials to Samsung, LG Electronics and others.

TV screens made using OLEds are said to combine the best attributes of plasma and LCd displays but without the downsides. Cost is currently an issue compared with existing technologies but the industry, including PPG and Universal display, is working hard to increase the speed of development of OLEd technology while also making it more affordable when products hit the retail market. PPG’s investment in the new production facility represents a major commitment to the rapidly evolving technology. It provides the two companies with the expanded resources needed to meet the high volume requirements of the growing OLEd display r and lighting applications.

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high speed

family support

Having been involved in motorsport virtually all his life, Daren Wells understands how important family support is to achieving success both on and off track.

here are many similarities between competing in motorsport and running a successful collision repair centre. According to daren Wells, both take planning, detailed preparation, commitment and passion and he should know. Even back in 1977 when daren completed his panel beating apprenticeship and started his business, Glendaren Auto Panels, he was already competing in high level motocross, including the legendary Mister Motocross series. A bad knee injury ended daren’s motocross career so he and wife, Mandy,

became heavily involved in the off-road racing scene while continuing to run their busy bodyshop. After many seasons building cars, running successful teams and winning two Australian Off-Road Championships

(’90 & ’95) and three Australian Stadium Off-Road Championships, daren threw it all in to spend more time with his growing family – daughter, Carley, and son, daniel. Naturally, that also involved motorsport! For 13 years the family spent quality time together at go-kart tracks around the country, with daren twirling the spanners and both kids racing. About three years ago the Wells family entered a new phase when Carley and daniel decided to get into off-road racing. ‘Wells Motorsport’ bought a second hand chassis from the US and together they built the car from scratch in a special room in the back of the collision centre in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton. Carley’s driving is a little limited by some health issues but daniel has now been competing for three years, says daren.

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“With off-road racing there’s national and state series, as well as lots of small races. We’ve eased into it but this year daniel is doing the state series with his navigator, Luc Price, who is Carley’s fiancé. It’s a good series and it means we get away together as a family. The kids live with their partners but every Wednesday we have a family dinner – typically, the talk turns to off-road racing! Every Saturday daniel and Luc work on the car here in the ‘men’s shed’ but we never work on race cars on Sunday – that’s family day!” One big attraction of racing off-road, says daren, is the sheer time the driver gets behind the wheel. “Typically, the track is about an 85km loop and the cars start 30 seconds apart, from fastest to slowest. Saturday will generally be one lap and Sunday’s schedule might be another two laps followed by a half hour break for refuelling and then another two laps.” In a sport where speeds can reach 190km/h, daren has tried to pass on as much knowledge as he can to help daniel and Carley deal with the narrow dirt tracks which are often littered with jumps and whooped out sections. However, the secret of speed on the track starts long before you get there, daren explains. “There’s lots of preparation to make sure everything is right. It’s the old story – if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail. It’s the same in business. I quality control every car that goes out and I’m very fussy about colour and quality of finish.” daren has deliberately kept the business small and efficient – while it got to six staff at one point, there are now four tradesmen,

plus Mandy and daren. He’s also chosen to forge his own path. “Quite a few years ago we were invited to be a select repairer for a major insurance company but we didn’t want to align ourselves to just one company – we do work for all the insurers. Over the years we’ve built up a varied clientele, including some major corporate fleets.” Whether it’s racing or business, daren reckons PPG is like part of the family. “We’ve always worked with PPG and they’ve been fantastic. The colours are very good and the backup service is terrific so when you deal with people like that why would you go anywhere else? They even support us with the race car. It gets stripped

and repainted in PPG each year – I put my name on it so it has to look good!” When leaving school, daniel surprised daren by telling him he wanted to join the industry by taking on an apprenticeship as a paint technician. He’s currently working for a large PPG collision centre where he’s exposed to the latest technologies and able to get wider industry experience. At 25 years old, daren says daniel is a very good colour matcher and is trusted to do the more difficult jobs, such as three layer paint finishes. While he reckons he has at least another 10 years in business, daren can see a time when he and Mandy will want to ease back and do some travel. “I don’t plan on retiring but eventually we all have to call it quits. I’m not sure when but I’d like to think that at some point our children might come and run the family business.” Action photos courtesy of Adam Nelsen (Nelsen Photography & Multimedia) r www.offroadphotos.com.au

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MVP effiCienCY refinisher

N T RA

ORT A ON

it in your business and then

V E NT O

T I ON

the first step to identifying

different types of waste is

WA I T

Understanding the seven

What is waste? looking for ways to eliminate or reduce waste.

any of the productivity issues found in modern collision centres relate directly to ‘waste’. This is why, as PPG’s MVP Team works with customers across the region to implement ‘lean’ methodology, one of the fundamental aims is to eliminate or reduce waste wherever possible. Waste affects the process of repairing vehicles by increasing the cost and time it takes while decreasing quality and that reduces the competitiveness of the business. As well as the obvious effects on productivity, waste also impacts on people. From the owner to the staff in the office and workshop floor, waste increases frustration and stress levels and causes physical and emotional fatigue.

tiMwood introduces seven types of waste Before you can think about removing waste in your business, you need to be able to identify it and that means learning about the different types of waste. In lean methodology they have been broken down into seven types and remembering them is made easier by using the acronym, TIMWOOd. Some categories overlap each other but the point is to use them as a guide when identifying waste. Indeed, you may see some of these examples happening right now in your own business.

transportation

inventory

Moving material or product in a way that doesn’t add value to the product or customer. • Moving one vehicle to get to another • Having to walk away from the job to get parts, tools, materials, find keys, etc • Parking a vehicle in an awkward location where it needs to be moved to allow access to others

Holding too much inventory takes up space, costs money and it may get damaged. • Vehicles waiting to be completed while other jobs are being done • Painted parts sitting around the workshop

Motion Personal movement that doesn’t add value. • Taking the time to move ten vehicles out of the workshop in the morning and back in at knockoff

MVP effiCienCY 17

refinisher

defects

RO C E S

RO DUC

OVER

-P

)

OVE

-P

( TI

FECTS DE

defective products or information that obstruct workflow and lead to wasteful handling, time and effort. • Poorly marked up vehicles which means that repairs are missed • Vehicle not fully stripped so that not all damaged parts are identified • Vehicle delivered to the paint shop in a condition that’s not acceptable to the painters • De-nibbing

applying tiMwood to your workplace

• Walking to the other end of the workshop to get a piece of equipment, materials, parts or instructions • Having to find a manager to organise a sublet

waiting (time) Any stoppage that means the technician is held up from working on the job they’ve been assigned to. • Lack of information on the job sheet means you have to look for a manager to clarify what to do • Waiting for an essential tool or piece of equipment • Waiting for a decision to be made • Waiting for parts or information to proceed with the job • Waiting for a quote to be completed so you can order the parts

over-processing Processes which aren’t essential to the customer’s perception of value. • Repairing a previous scratch or damage which isn’t part of the current job • Polishing a whole vehicle rather than just the repair area • Spending time to achieve a perfect repair finish on a 10 year old vehicle

over-production Producing more material or information than is needed or before it’s needed. • Having lots of large jobs finish in the panel shop all at once so that the paint shop can’t cope with the flow. • Working on a vehicle that doesn’t go out for days while a job that must be completed today sits idle.

How many examples of these types of waste can you identify in your own business? Many collision centre owners are so busy caught up in the day-to-day running of their business, they often find it difficult to make an accurate assessment of where the waste is. The MVP Team recommend taking a step back to get an overview of the work environment to see where problems are occurring and what’s causing them. Indeed, the MVP Team are perfectly positioned to assist customers with identifying waste in their business and working through the r process of eliminating or reducing it.

For more details, contact your local MVP Manager (see the list below), your PPG Representative or PPG’s Customer Service Hotline 0800 320 320 (NZ) or 13 24 24 (Aust). Queensland / northern Territory – John Stack 0413 274 035 north Queensland – Hugh McBride 0418 188 423 new south Wales – Brett Abdy 0411288471 Victoria / Tasmania – Mindy Roberts 0407 528 869 south Australia – Joe Esposito 0412 832 919 Western Australia – Mark Metcalf 0401 710 961 new Zealand – Helen Aird 0211 765 943 Manager AnZ – Greg Tunks 0411 288 451

TALKinG TrAininG 18

UNLOCK YOUR CAREER WITH PPG Founded in 1883 and operating in nearly 70 countries, PPG Industries is a highly successful global organisation. And it’s no surprise that our employees are at the heart of everything we do. As such, PPG is constantly on the look-out for high calibre staff to join our Australian and New Zealand Refinish Teams. Opportunities appear regularly and can span the following areas; • Technical Product Demonstrators • New Business Development • Territory Management • Key Account Management • Customer Service • Business support - MVP and BMSG Consultants If you’re passionate about the refinish industry, can demonstrate an ambition to succeed and have a strong work ethic, PPG wants to hear from you. View all our current opportunities at jobs.ppg.com by selecting ‘Australia’ or ‘New Zealand’. A career at PPG offers almost limitless opportunities! Best of all, you’ll be working for an organisation that thrives on innovation and where learning and development is encouraged and nurtured. For a confidential discussion about career opportunities, contact Emma McNeill +61 3 9263 4653 or emcneill@ppg.com

jobs.ppg.com

CAreers reers @ PPG 19

Solid

support

Just as it does for its huge customer base, the aim at PPG is to provide new staff members with plenty of professional support.

oving from a collision centre environment to take up a role in PPG’s refinish sales and support network can seem like a big change but a logical support structure has been put in place to streamline the process for new staff. Along with a two day corporate induction program that introduces all new employees to the world of PPG, those joining roles such as Refinish Technical demonstrators or Territory Managers have their own support programs, explains Chris Edwards, PPG Business Manager VIC/TAS. “We have a specific induction checklist for every new staff member which gives them all the tools they’re going to need. And that’s ‘tools’ in every sense of the word – from the physical equipment through to the knowledge they need to perform their role. They will already be a good painter but we need to make sure they fully understand our products so they’ll be immersed in some fairly technical training. For instance, here that would be with our VIC/TAS Training Manager, Ray England. To help them ‘learn the ropes’ we buddy new staff members with an experienced member of our team. For the first few weeks they’ll spend quite a bit of time out in the field with them so they can watch what they do and learn the role. Even later on when they go out on their own, that experienced person is there to answer any questions or queries.

“The aim is to develop the type of person we want to represent the company. They need to be level headed, able to communicate effectively with people at all levels and display PPG professionalism. We also look for people with a bit of ambition and ability to move through the ranks, say, from a Technical demonstrator to Territory Manager and on to a Business development Manager or even into something like our MVP Team.” After spending most of his working life as a refinish paint technician, Lincoln Cridland found it a smooth transition as he switched to a Technical demonstrator role at PPG Victoria, when he joined in November 2013. “I was pretty confident of what was going to happen and, even though it was a new role, I knew I wasn’t going to have to dive in on the first day. I spent some time in the

field with a couple of the experienced guys and that helped me get a feel for the role before I started doing jobs on my own. It was pretty straightforward and relaxed and I felt fully supported all the way.” For more information or to see the current roles being offered, go to jobs.ppg.com, click on ‘Jobs by location’ and select r Australia or New Zealand.

refinisher

TALKinG TrAininG refinisher

the booth maintenance effect on paint curing Of course, the spray booth is a key part of the refinish process but some people seem to forget just how crucial its efficient operation is to paint curing.

n order to achieve proper curing, 2-pack refinish coatings are designed to be baked at a set temperature for a certain amount of time. That’s the substrate temperature of the job, not the readout on the spray booth gauge! If the booth doesn’t raise the substrate temperature to the required level and maintain it for the necessary time period the result can be incomplete curing. While it might appear firm on the outside, the coating won’t be fully cured underneath causing issues such as loss of gloss, soft primers and poor adhesion.

booth types There are two basic types of heated bake booths. One type uses fresh air during the bake cycle, with no recirculation – it’s often known as a ‘one shot air systems’. With this system the temperature probe is normally located above the booth ceiling filters and, therefore, can read around 20ºC higher than the actual substrate temperature. Obviously, that’s not good for curing and as the ceiling filters start to become blocked that differential in temperature can increase further. The second, and generally preferred system, is where part of the cabin air is recirculated and mixed with heated fresh air.

check your booth’s performance No matter which system your booth has, if incomplete curing becomes an issue, the first thing to check is booth performance. All too often the booth gauge reads the required bake cycle temperature but inside the cabin it’s actually falling short so the substrate doesn’t reach crucial curing temperature. In many, many cases it’s due to a booth fault or lack of regular maintenance.

You can test your booth (it should be done regularly, anyway) by investing in an instrument to measure metal temperature – they’re inexpensive, easy to use and provide valuable information. Run the booth to bake temperature and use the measuring device to check that the actual temperature of the metal panels is close to the reading on the booth gauge. Be sure to check in a variety of areas as the temperature around the vehicle can vary considerably.

booth maintenance A bake booth is pretty simple, really – it needs a dependable heat source and it relies on uninterrupted airflow into and out of the cabin. Ignoring maintenance means both of those factors are going to suffer. When it comes to a contractor to service your spray booth, choose carefully. Ensure they’re reputable and have all the relevant qualifications and registrations, for example, electrical certification and gas certification, as well as the required insurance should anything go wrong.

Don’t rely on the booth temperature gauge – an infrared measuring tool is a cheap and effective way to determine substrate temperature.

“Anyone who avoids booth maintenance because of the cost hasn’t done the sums to show

TALKinG TrAininG 21

while it can also cause a softer flame in the heat exchanger which then doesn’t produce as much heat as it should. fire – A real – and potentially very expensive – problem with lack of maintenance is the risk of fire. dust is a fuel, so combined with oxygen from the air and an ignition source you get combustion. It’s a common problem in all booths.

false economy

filters – Roof filters provide a barrier between any dirty air in the heating system and the inside of the booth. As they become blocked, more heated air gets trapped in the plenum chamber which is generally where the temperature probe is located. This means the plenum reaches bake temperature but the cabin doesn’t. Blocked exhaust filters can lead to a massive cabin pressure build up which causes booth air to swirl, pick up overspray and deposit it on the top panels, resulting in time-consuming de-nibbing and polishing.

inspections. Collision centres must show documented proof so keep them handy. damaged or faulty burners are a common problem – they become inefficient so gas bills go through the roof while, at the same time, they struggle to bring the booth up to the correct temperature. dust – Air for the burner is often drawn from the workshop which makes dust an issue. Fan blades get a coating of dust, become less efficient and don’t pump enough air,

Anyone who avoids booth maintenance because of the cost hasn’t done the sums to show how cost effective it is. A service on a common type booth (change roof filters, check electrics and the burner and vacuum the exhaust chamber) generally takes about three hours maximum and costs between $1200 and $2000, including parts. Given a booth generally runs for about 1000 hours per year, even at the higher figure that’s just $2 per hour in running costs! Many thanks to Roger McQuillan, from Spraybooth & Electrical Services (SES) in New Zealand, Mark Williams from Lowbake Australia and David Morris from PSM Spraybooth Maintenance And Cleaning in Melbourne, for their expert support in r preparing this article.

burners – By law, burners must be checked and serviced annually, while booths with direct fired burners require biannual

how cost effective it is.”

Do the sums – regular booth maintenance saves in the long run.

refinisher

TALKinG TrAininG refinisher

the lean machine Completing 12 months of lean training has made the PPG NZ Refinish Team more efficient while giving them new skills to help customers benefit from lean methodology.

n today’s hectic business environment it can feel like there’s barely enough time to get day-to-day tasks done without the thought of squeezing in an extra training course to improve skills. However, the experience of 23 employees, who comprise the PPG New Zealand Refinish Team, has shown it can actually be an inspirational move with far-reaching benefits. It was with a real sense of achievement that the team recently celebrated the completion of a Level 2 Certificate in Competitive Manufacturing – a nationally recognised qualification which focuses on ‘lean methodologies’. Although it wasn’t always easy, staff committed to meeting once per month over the 12 month period, says dave White, PPG NZ Manager. “It’s difficult to find the time for training because people are always busy but the results from this course show the

big advantages of allocating time towards implementing lean processes and that’s something we’re trying to get across to customers. The aim was to up-skill staff and improve our processes so we’re more efficient in our partnerships with customers. The PPG MVP Business development Team already does a terrific job of helping customers implement lean practices but it isn’t necessarily easy to get your head around the lean philosophy. However, the PPG Territory Managers and other support staff are now better positioned to understand customer concerns and help guide them through the lean process because they’ve experienced it themselves.” The course combined both theory and practical exercises which was perfect for underlining the ‘lean’ philosophy. This helped reinforce skills by applying them in the workplace, NZ MVP Manager, Helen Aird, explains. “We can all be guilty of putting up with frustrations in our workplace that slow us down. With this lean training, we’ve learnt the skills to be a lot more efficient, whether it’s stock rotation in the warehouse, health

TALKinG TrAininG 23

and safety procedures or streamlining the Auckland Training Centre. It can even be as simple as getting your desk or car in order, if that’s your workplace. Importantly, it can work just as well in a collision centre environment.” Indeed, encouraging staff involvement and establishing a culture of continual lean improvement is a key benefit of the training. despite the extra work, PPG staff were enthusiastic about being involved in the lean process, says Mike Gallagher, PPG Territory Manager. “In the beginning, people thought it was just something else to fit into their busy day but once we got into it everyone really enjoyed it. In a group of three I worked on a practical project looking at Environmental Health & Safety at the Auckland Training Centre and the whole facility. We started with an audit and found potential improvements straight away. We photographed and documented everything to show where we started and then revamped

signage, cleared out unnecessary clutter and put everything in its place. The results across the whole of PPG NZ Refinish was so much better than I expected because of the inspiring ideas people came up with – it blew me away!” BMSG Consultant, Sarah Corbett, was also looking forward to the opportunity to participate. “I’d heard a lot about the course from my manager, Helen Aird, so I was excited by the idea. For me, the best part was the little tools we picked up along the way. For example, we learnt to use a ‘fishbone diagram’ for problem solving. When you identify an issue, it helps you analyse the causes and work out which is the most relevant so you can fix that first. Once you’re familiar with the technique it can be used to solve any problem, whether it’s work or non-work related. I don’t think it matters what sort of role you’re in, the skills and knowledge you get from a lean course can definitely help you streamline your own processes and the way you do your day-to-day job.” According to Territory Manager, Scott Morrison, completing the course gave him a sense of accomplishment and pride at what the team had achieved. “I could see that the ability to apply lean practices and principles in our day-today activities would make the Team more effective in our roles on an individual, team and organisational level and that instantly

got me hooked. Personally, it’s created a transformation in me – it has given me the knowledge and confidence to work alongside customers to help them understand ‘lean’ and guide them towards creating a more effective and profitable business.” According to dave White, there’s a real feeling of having accomplished something special. “Our MVP Team is doing great work with customers but having the entire Refinish Team complete lean training is another big step forward. Through the training people got quite excited about the significant differences they could make just by putting little steps in place. They’ve learned to identify and eliminate waste from the business and make a real, tangible impact. It’s been a great journey and we’ll certainly be looking to take it to the next stage!” To learn how PPG’s MVP business development program can help you with lean management practices, contact your PPG Representative or PPG’s Customer Service hotline 0800 320 320 (NZ) or r 13 24 24 (Aust).

refinisher

sATA refinisher

Global coverage There are a whole host of excellent reasons to take the step up to a SATA® spray-gun – sometimes painters just need to get a better understanding of those advantages.

espite it being their main tool of trade, many painters don’t necessarily understand the ins and outs of a modern spray gun. That makes it difficult to know what characteristics to look for when purchasing a gun and how those features can help make day-to-day working life easier, while improving a technician’s quality of work. It’s something Andreas Engenhardt sees often. Andreas is a paint technician who was working at a collision repair centre in his native Germany before joining SATA® as a Technical Consultant Export. These days, he travels to SATA’s global markets to educate paint technicians about the latest in spray equipment design. SATA® exports to around 100 countries and recently Andreas was in Australia to deliver presentations to PPG staff and customers. “A spray gun is not just an average tool, like a screw driver – it’s a precision tool. Paint companies are constantly improving

the properties of their paints – better finish, lets you benefit from the latest Wet-On-Wet more gloss, etc – which means you need a (WOW) and surfacer / filler primers. modern spray gun with precise technology The WOW primer process is being used in order to apply it efficiently. In other words, more and more in Europe. Bodyshops only the new generation of paints needs a new get a certain amount of time to do a job so, generation of spray gun. For example, the of course, they’re looking for ways to do it latest SATAjet® 4000 B was designed from as quickly as possible and they welcome the scratch with waterborne paints in mind. WOW technique. It saves a lot of time but to Time never stops – conditions are always changing and our research sata made means sata made and development team have to take that into account when designing new products.” As a manufacturer of precision medical It’s important to use the correct gun for and surgical equipment in the early each stage of the refinish process, says 1900s, SATA® was already producing Andreas. For instance, when priming. atomisers used to deliver mouth and “If you use an old gun (some people use throat medicine so developing spray an old topcoat gun) you may lose some guns for the emerging automotive of the benefits of the latest generations of paint systems was a logical step. The primers. Choose a new SATAjet® 100 BF – first SATA® spray-gun was produced it comes in HVLP or RP technology – and in Germany in 1925 and, even today, you get a new generation primer gun that every SATA® gun is made at the company’s state-of-the-art production plant in Kornwestheim, Germany. In the ultra-clean facility, 250 employees design, manufacture, test and package each piece of SATA® spray equipment. Around 70% of production is exported to 100 countries. According to Andreas, it’s about safeguarding SATA’s hard-won reputation for precision German engineering and premium quality craftsmanship. “Everything you buy from SATA® is made right here in Germany – we do not outsource.” Check out www.sata.com and some of the video presentations under the SATA® TV banner.

frOnT 25

be able to do it efficiently you need a gun that can produce a flat primer surface so you don’t need to sand it. The SATAjet® 100 BF was developed from the start to do that.” While he doesn’t go recommending specific gun settings for individual paint systems, Andreas is adamant that it’s worth taking note of the recommendations of your paint supplier because they’ve generally been established via a thorough trial process. “I tell people to always check the nozzle

‘medium solids’, ‘high solids’, ‘ultra high solids’, etc. These products are all different so you must use the right set up to get the fine atomisation you need for a good result.” One argument some technicians have for not switching to SATA® is purchase price. When you spread the cost over the long

size and set up recommendations in the paint company’s technical information because the testing has been done with all the different nozzle set ups. You can’t use the same nozzle and set up for everything. For example, clearcoats now come in

term a SATA® gun is a cost effective choice, Andreas explains. “It’s like saying a Porsche is too expensive. That’s fine, go and buy a Toyota but you can’t expect the same level of performance. I don’t talk badly about other

spray gun brands but the difference is performance and quality and that’s something worth paying a little extra for. The other thing which people forget is SATA’s big support network. It’s not just buying the gun – there is training, spare parts, and more. Spending more up-front actually saves money in the long term because a SATA® gun will last a long time if you look after it and during that time it will continue to give you excellent performance.” Note: PPG distributes SATA® products in Australia and New Zealand and was recently r named ‘SATA® Importer of the Year’.

refinisher

PPG ACCess refinisher

SteP

Select the motor vehicle manufacturer from the list.

SteP

Readings are automatically downloaded when the spectro is docked.

SteP

Enter the vehicles OE color code.

Faster, smarter and more efficient, the updates to the new RapidMatch™ software workflow make it even more productive than ever.

RapidMatch gets a green ™

ombining the industry leading RAPIdMATCH™ X-5 spectrophotometer with some very clever software built into the PAINT P MANAGER® system, has seen PPG’s RapidMatch set the benchmark and become a trusted colour matching tool in collision centres the world over. However, that hasn’t stopped PPG looking for ways to enhance its performance even further. Indeed, PPG actually created ‘advisory groups’ across the globe to collect input from the most knowledgeable experts available – paint technicians who use it every day. The result is a new RapidMatch workflow that’s more streamlined and logical to use, leading to greater paint shop productivity.

auto download Once the RapidMatch X-5 spectrophotometer has been used to take a reading of a vehicle’s paintwork, the user no longer needs to go through a manual process of

downloading the data to the PaintManager software. The instrument and the software now seamlessly communicate to download the readings automatically.

adding ‘texture’

PPG’s in-house programming team has taken the opportunity to completely update the RapidMatch menus and results page to eliminate unnecessary buttons and screens. By reducing the number of ‘clicks’ required to get to the best formula selection, the streamlined workflow is both simpler to use and faster. Indeed, the redesigned results screen is geared for speed. Thanks to the accuracy of the RapidMatch X-5

Because an accurate match isn’t just about locating the right colour, the RapidMatch colour matching system now includes a new ‘Texture’ indicator. It starts by taking advantage of the advanced optics of the RapidMatch X-5 spectrophotometer which measures a vehicle’s paintwork from five angles to get an extremely precise reading. This data is then combined with innovative, PPG developed advanced mathematical algorithms to not only find the closest colour but also provide the user with a measurement of its effects pigment component or ‘Texture’. By comparing five angles of lightness / darkness data from

spectrophotometer, results are automatically recognised as either mica / metallic or solid colours. The fastest and most efficient method to achieve an accurate result is to enter the OE Colour Code in the box provided.

the vehicle colour being measured, the RapidMatch system will automatically display a Texture result. If the on-screen formula has a similar texture to the vehicle’s colour it will be indicated by a green ‘OK’. If it’s not similar, the Texture result will be displayed

simpler workflow

SteP

frOnT

Select the best match. Normally the smallest Match Rating.

Mix the formula as usual.

light for speed... as either coarser ‘C’ or finer ‘F’. When combined with the existing ‘Match Rating’ system, the additional ‘Texture’ indication gives paint technicians even greater confidence when colour matching.

Extensive testing and field trials have helped develop the following set of guidelines to assist paint technicians with the decision making process.

green, green, go! One of the outstanding features of the existing RapidMatch system is the ‘Match Rating’ readout so no changes were deemed necessary. It uses a PPG developed scientific algorithm along with the colour information or reflectance data obtained by the RapidMatch X-5 spectrophotometer. A comparison is made between the vehicle colour and the PPG

Match rating between 0 and 15 – blendable for metallic and pearl colours

colour database (including all the primes, variants and specials) and then delivers a Match Rating. The lower the Match Rating the greater the likelihood that the colour formulation will be a blendable match for the vehicle repair.

– tinting may be required

Match rating between 16 and 20 – check with a visual reference (spray-out or colour chip) Match rating greater than 20

Match rating of 5 or less – blendable for solids colours

Updates to the RapidMatch system have added the Texture indicator to the Match Rating readout to create an all new benchmark for colour matching support. A Match Rating of 10 or less is displayed in green to give a handy visual indicator. Right next to it is the Texture column where a similar texture to the vehicle’s colour will be indicated by a green ‘OK’. Therefore, results with two green indicators (a ‘green’ Match Rating along with a ‘green’ OK Texture reading) gives the paint technician double the confidence to ‘go’ mix the formula.

training The great news is, no new hardware is required to take advantage of the new RapidMatch system – it’s just an upgrade to existing PaintManager software. As it’s rolled out across the region, starting in third quarter 2014, PPG staff will provide in-shop training to help technicians quickly familiarise themselves r with their new colour matching tool.

CUsTOM finishes refinisher

Shimmering brilliance in five different coloured glass flakes and one unique silver coated glass flake, these pigments can be added directly to the basecoat, ground coat or mid-coat to create the exceptional sparkle effect. As well as being easy to mix and apply, Crystallance is fully compatible with PPG’s GRS solvent-borne basecoat system and the ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne basecoat system. What’s more, it can also be used with other Vibrance Collection custom finishes favourites, including RAdIANCE® II Candy, PRIZMATIQUE™, HARLEQUIN® and Crystal Pearl custom colours. More than ever, this gives custom painters across the region unprecedented choice when looking to create a one-of-a-kind finish. No wonder PPG’s Vibrance Collection sets the benchmark for custom special effects finishes!

Combine it with other VIBRANCE COLLECTION® custom paint finishes or use it on its own, the launch of the CRySTALLANCE™ range opens up dazzling new opportunities for custom paintwork.

et’s face it – when it comes to custom paintwork, nobody wants the same colour and finish as the next guy. Everybody wants something unique so custom vehicle builders and owners cherish having a wide choice and something new and different. With its extraordinary palette of high energy colours, PPG’s VIBRANCE COLLECTION® has long given custom paint artisans all the choice and versatility they need, while the introduction of exciting, cutting edge products, such as the new Crystallance finish, continues that trend. By incorporating six unique pigments, the PPG Research & development Team has created a Crystallance glass flake range which produces stunningly bright finishes that feature remarkable sparkle and flare.

To help make your selection, a Crystallance Colour Card will be available for order from your friendly PPG distributor.

the Crystallance range

Whether it’s a street machine, custom vehicle or hot rod, Crystallance is ideal to use anywhere that an intense, dazzling shimmer is desired. Indeed, the brilliant effect of these pigments is particularly evident when placed in sunlight. Offered

VM4501 VM4502 VM4503 VM4504 VM4505

Silver Sapphire Jade Garnet Topaz

VM4506 Opal For more information on Vibrance Collection products visit www.vibrancenetwork.com.au or call PPG’s Customer Service Hotline 13 24 24 (Aust) or 0800 320 320 (NZ). r

disTribUTOr sPOTLiGhT 29

All the parts fall into place PPG Platinum Distributor, the Preston Motors Group, has invested heavily in a state-of-theart warehouse facility to keep it at the forefront of technology and customer service.

ounded in 1912, the Preston Motors Group was there at the birth of the automotive industry in Australia and has a rich history. Today, that encompasses new car dealerships and service outlets for a variety of franchises including Holden, Ford, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Kia, Suzuki and Porsche in Victoria and Canberra, as well as the supply of automotive spare parts and the distribution of refinish products, including PPG. Indeed, Preston Motors is Australia’s largest and longest serving PPG Platinum distributor! Back in 2004, Preston Motors was already a massive part of PPG’s distribution network when it purchased Patterson Cheney’s entire parts and refinish business, which also included PPG distribution. Although the acquisition made Preston Motors one of the largest parts distributors in Australia, it also put the squeeze on existing facilities, such as the outlet in the Melbourne suburb of dandenong. Now, a multi-million dollar investment on a nearby ‘green-field site’, has created a hi-tech new facility which has dramatically expanded capabilities and staff

working conditions. Naturally, space is one of the biggest factors – plenty of space for easy drop off of incoming loads and a separate area for delivery drivers to collect their loads. However, the biggest news is inside, says Preston Motors Refinish Manager, Neil Bartlett. “In terms of warehouse space we’ve gone from around 3000m², spread across a number of buildings, into one facility of almost 6000m² which also has a much higher ceiling to allow greater stacking. The area for PPG refinish products is four times larger, with a massive bunker and a magnificent Low Bake mixing room. The biggest news is the technology and systems that have been built in. For example, parts distribution has been automated with conveyor belts and RF scanning technology to enable customer orders to be completed more efficiently and accurately.

Hi-tech facility and experienced staff make Preston Motors an industry leader.

“The new facility houses 33 staff (including a call centre) and most have been with us long term. They cover all of the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula on a daily basis, as well as across the whole of the state and into southern NSW. This is about moving with the times and having much better facilities and systems to work with. Most importantly, it helps us build on over 100 years of history by making us even more efficient at servicing our r customer base.”

refinisher

sUsTAinAbLe sOLUTiOns refinisher

targeted approach t Setting targets is the first step towards reducing your business’

waste – generally, split into hazardous and non-hazardous.

environmental impact while providing your team with a common goal to aim for.

n the modern world we can all get a little detached from the resources we consume – water comes out when you turn on the tap, electricity flows when you flick on the switch and waste is taken away. However, governments, organisations and businesses all over the world are keenly aware of the need to reduce the drain on resources to minimise the environmental impact. The bonus is that keeping better control of energy and water usage and waste management also reduces business expenses. Understanding your current usage is the first step – invoices from suppliers should help establish a benchmark. From there you can set achievable targets. This not only allows you to measure your progress, it’s also been found to be very helpful in motivating staff to participate by creating a common goal for everyone to strive for. Although short term targets are fine, this should be seen as a long term strategy. For many collision repair centres there will initially be plenty of opportunities to reduce the environmental footprint. For example: (see panel right).

• Is everything that can be recycled being recycled? • Is there new technology or processes to deal with waste more efficiently? • Is it possible to modify our processes to reduce waste generation?

energy – typically, electricity and gas • Can natural light be used instead of electrical lights? • Look at using new technologies, such as LED, to reduce lighting power consumption. • If your compressor is old / inefficient consider upgrading to a more energy efficient unit. • Ensure booth gas burners are regularly maintained.

water • Use a rainwater collection system to replace mains water. • Investigate ways to reduce current water usage.

PPg targets sustainability Despite having operations spread all over the globe, PPG is serious about minimising its environmental impact – the company’s progress is set out in the annual Sustainability Report. Indeed, the 2013 Sustainability Report includes some impressive results, including: • Hazardous waste to landfill reduced by 4% over 2012 • 48% of total hazardous waste was recycled or reclaimed • Non-hazardous waste to landfill reduced by 10% over 2012 • Total greenhouse gas emissions intensity decreased by 10% over 2012 r • Total energy intensity reduced by 9% compared with 2012

CUsTOMer’s CArs

Vehicles: AC Cobra 427

Owner: Iain ‘Kip’ Kippen Bodyshop: Bissell’s Paint & Panel

Submit your masterpiece Proud of the job you’ve done building your hot rod, custom vehicle or refurbished original?

e’re aiming to showcase interesting reader’s cars in upcoming issues of The Refinisher. If you’ve put the hard work into your automotive pride and joy, then drop us a line at enquiries@ppg.com. To get started, send us some basic details (no more than 200 words) about your ride and the project to build it, along with one photo (reduced to 1MB or less) and your contact details. Once we’ve allocated a spot in a future issue of The Refinisher we’ll contact you for further information.

hether building his AC Cobra 427 kit car (from dRB Sportscars) new in 2007 or revamping it in 2014, Kip couldn’t go past PPG VIBRANCE COLLECTION® special effect finishes. “Basically, it’s a ’66 style car with modern running gear, including a Falcon XR8 engine and gearbox. I originally did it as a custom-style AC Cobra with PPG (RAdIANCE® II candy colours) Candy ‘Orange Glow’ with cream stripes and a cream interior. Now it’s had a complete revamp – paintwork, wheels and interior, as well as engine mods. This time, I’ve gone for a more classic look with yellow paintwork (Vibrance Collection custom finishes Liquid Crystal ‘Yella’) with black stripes and a black interior. Immersion Imaging (also a PPG customer) added carbonfibre and brushed aluminium highlights to the engine and carbonfibre on the dashboard. The whole job has come up really well!” As well as appearing at local car shows, Kip says the car will take prime position in the showroom of his new collision centre which r is currently under construction.

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Riding the wave Built by fishermen, for fishermen, Surtees Boats is riding a wave of success thanks to innovative designs and a premium finish that includes PPG paints.

hanks to spectacular scenery and excellent fishing opportunities, Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s east coast has long been a magnet for keen fishermen, including Neil Surtees. However, reaching the fishing grounds meant crossing a tricky ‘bar’ to access the open

ocean. Neil knew that a boat with a deep ‘V’ hull was ideal for a smooth, safe ride through the rough conditions but the trade off was a less stable and comfortable fishing platform when the vessel was at rest. Unable to find a boat to meet his needs, the qualified boilermaker came up with his own innovative design that combined the best of both worlds. When Neil’s mates noticed the dramatic difference, they asked him to also build them a boat and Surtees Boats was born. From the start back in 1993, right through to today, every Surtees boat features the unique hull design. It begins with Surtees’ Non-Pounding Super deep V Hull which enables the boat to cut effortlessly through choppy waters without unpleasant pounding and then adds the genius of what the company calls Stabilising Ballast Technology. As the vessel comes to rest, a ballast tank along the keel line fills with water which adds extra weight to provide greater stability and comfort. When the boat starts to

move forward the ballast tank empties in seconds to once again give it smooth ride and handling. Orders rolled in, not only from Kiwi customers but also from Australia, Sweden, New Caledonia and the Pacific Islands. Indeed, around half of Surtees’ production is now exported! In 2004 the company faced a setback following the tragic passing of Neil’s wife but four local business people stepped in to become shareholders and add their expertise. Surtees has flourished – today, it builds over 300 boats per year and has an extremely healthy order book of around 200 pre-sold boats. Catering to the strong demand has meant analysing the production process and making some critical investments, according to shareholder, Toni Palmer. “The factory is located in a rural area on the outskirts of Kawerau, in the Bay of Plenty. Because it’s been built up over time, it’s spread across seven different buildings which vary in size, including four large, purpose-built steel sheds. It’s been a case of fine tuning boat fabrication and

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construction to maximise the workflow but as we increased production, the biggest constraint became painting. For 20 years it was outsourced but in 2013 we decided it was time to take control. “The first step was to put together a skilled team of painters and then set them up with a purpose-built paint shop. Because of our rural location the paint shop couldn’t be on site so it’s located 15 minutes away in Kawerau itself – the previous outsourced paint shop was around 40 minutes away. PPG paints were chosen as a premium product (Note: PPG products were also used by the previous paint shop) which fits with the quality finish expected on our boats – key attributes being the excellent

gloss levels, ease of use and the fast turnaround which they allow. This is vital in a high growth company like Surtees. “From the very beginning PPG offered excellent assistance to our paint shop manager, Russell, including taking him on a tour of other commercial operations so he could get an insight into their setups. This was extremely valuable to Russell and enabled good decisions to be made right from the planning stage. Russell also visited PPG’s Auckland Training Centre to trial paint processes on sample pieces of aluminium to ensure the desired result would be achieved. PPG delfleet is the main system used and, since October 2013, 230 boats have been painted in the new facility with no PPG warranty returns – an excellent record and a reflection of the quality PPG products and the skill of our painters, Russell, Noel and Hayden.” Toni also says that local PPG distributor, Autolink Tauranga, has provided excellent service with reliable product delivery. With boats now typically painted and returned

in just two to three days, she’s adamant that the investment has been particularly worthwhile in terms of speeding up manufacturing output. On average, Surtees produces one boat every 4.5 hours and, these days, approximately 95% leave the factory with some sort of coating (either clearcoat or colour) over the aluminium

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construction. Of those, 70% receive a colour finish and it might surprise you who drives that trend, according to Toni. “People generally want a nicer looking boat but we’ve found that women are the big factor in the decision to choose the paint option. Even if a woman never goes in the boat, they want the pride of ownership that comes with a nice looking paint finish. It’s also good for resale and our boats do enjoy very good resale value!” Surtees currently has 46 staff, a large proportion of whom are highly skilled welders. Toni says it can be a struggle to find welders capable of producing the finish the company requires. “It takes three to six months to train a qualified welder to build a boat the Surtees way. Most of our welds are visible – we don’t grind them – so they need to be the best welds we can produce. These are strong, robust boats designed to stand up to open ocean conditions and we want people to see what they’re getting. We don’t have a production line – the components are plasma cut from sheets of aluminium

and one welder will work on one boat until it’s finished. We encourage them to take pride in the job by signing each boat they do with their welded initials underneath on the outboard motor pod.” Once they’ve bought a Surtees boat, many customers stick to the brand by upsizing to a bigger Surtees model as their family and income increase over time. Customer demand has recently seen the launch of its largest model, the 8.5, which is on the limit of what can be conveniently towed. With the growth in the leisure fishing industry, there’s now a Surtees Boat to match virtually any price point from the 4.85 model at around $30,000 to $40,000, right up to the 8.5 model at around $300,000. Whether it’s off the coast of New Zealand or any other market around the world where

similar open ocean conditions exist, the Stabilising Ballast Technology gives Surtees Boats a distinct point of difference which is consistently attracting new customers. However, that doesn’t mean Surtees is prepared to rest on its laurels – it’s constantly analysing feedback to find ways to make its products even better, Toni explains. “We actually have a staff boat here that employees can take out on the weekend. We get to see how our boats cope with a hard life and it encourages the staff to come back with ideas for changes. Our boat design is unashamedly about fishing and problem solving for fishermen. Basically, we’re looking for what’s going to make it a safer, more comfortable ride to the fishing spot and what’s going to make the actual r fishing experience more enjoyable.” Stop press – Following up on last year’s Emerging Exporter of the Year Award, Surtees Boats has taken out ‘Exporter of the Year’ at the 2014 BNZ Bay of Plenty ExportNZ – a back-to-back feat that’s never occurred in the 25 year history of the awards!

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